Manufactured from 1876 to 1891, this is a solid example of one of Marlin's more standard configuration Ballard rifles. The left side of the action has the standard three-line J.M. Marlin address and Ballard's patent marking. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the action and bottom of the barrel. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn hear sight, and a Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang (extra mounting hole visible). It is mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm and nicely figured straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Very good, retains strong traces of the thinned original blue finish and faint traces of the original case colors in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The wood is also very good with a minor crack in the left of the wrist and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.